It was an exciting new chapter when Reese Hyzer began her journey at Loyola University Chicago. Coming from a small town in Wisconsin, Loyola’s diverse environment provided a backdrop for self-discovery and growth. What started as a virtual program due to the pandemic evolved into an opportunity for Reese to build a community and leave a lasting impact. 

As a doctoral student in School Psychology, she actively contributed to the University through her leadership in the Loyola Association of School Psychologists (LASP), serving as the Multicultural Co-Chair, and as an executive board member of the Student Affiliates of School Psychology (SASP) for three years. She is also involved in the School Psychology Review student editorial board, working under the mentorship of Dr. Ashley Mayworm. For Reese, these leadership roles became a way to create the sense of community she craved when she first entered the program.  

“I came into the program feeling isolated, but my experiences here pushed me to build meaningful connections and take on leadership roles that allowed me to foster that same sense of belonging for others,” Reese reflects.  

One reason she chose Loyola was the University’s focus on social justice and equity, particularly because of her research interests. Her work is centered on culturally responsive practices, specifically focusing on the role social media plays in adolescents' mental health and well-being. Reese’s dissertation explores how social media can serve as both a lifeline and a challenge, particularly for marginalized groups like LGBTQ+ youth.  

Beyond her research, Reese has been an important part of the University’s mental health initiatives. As a graduate assistant, she gained valuable experience working on the mental health training grant, which included the development of a school mental health workforce development program and the Puentes Fellowship. This opportunity strengthened her research skills and ignited her passion for advancing mental health access for underserved communities. Reese hopes to continue this work by pursuing clinical licensure after graduation, with a focus on adolescent mental health.  “Loyola provided me the chance to collaborate with brilliant mentors and peers, giving me the confidence to pursue academic research and support the next generation of students in the field.”  

One of Reese’s most memorable experiences was attending and presenting at the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) conferences. Over the years, she presented multiple research projects, gaining recognition for her work. She credits the faculty at Loyola for being generous with their mentorship and for providing her with opportunities to publish and present her findings on a national stage.  

Reese’s journey at Loyola has been transformative, both academically and personally. Her ability to self-reflect and understand her own identity has grown alongside her academic achievements. As she prepares for the next phase of her career, Reese leaves Loyola with a renewed sense of purpose, ready to create meaningful change in the world of school psychology.